Do you have a great
commercial to introduce yourself? Do you have the Secret to being a a
relationship magnet?
Never leave home
without them.
Before leaving home, your
checklist should be expanded to include business cards, as part of "do I have my
wallet/money, house keys, driver's license'" Any 'per chance' meeting is an
opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the
local store could be an opportunity to network. My wife and I always ask each
other 'do you have business cards', before leaving the house. Make it a habit to
carry business cards.
Insert a business card
when mailing bill payments.
Bills contain advertisements. Why can't you advertise your skills or services
the same way' Insert a business card with your payment. You may not think a
person in South Dakota who opens your credit card bill payment can help you.
Never underestimate the power of networking. A movie, entitled '6 Degrees of
Separation' points out we are 6 people away from knowing someone of influence.
You could be 6 people away from knowing the President of the United Sates, your
favorite movie star or someone who is in a position to hire your skills or
services. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc.
Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental source of
continued success.
Use proper business
card etiquette. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card.
When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make
the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might
see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card
such as date,
location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when
following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the
other person. Then place it in your wallet. This lets them know they reside in a
special place with you. "Skill with People" by Les Giblin is a book that expands
on this approach. Make people feel important, in order to make yourself
important to them.
Brand yourself with a
slogan. Print a
slogan on your business card that answers the question 'Why should I hire you'
Or "What makes you different from everyone else'" A catchy phrase or slogan
insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services.
People remember even after the commercial is over. That's called branding.
Companies pay big bucks to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting
slogans. Consider doing the exact same thing on your business card. This is your
insurance people remember you, after you meet. Don't just put Hortence Smiley,
Accountant on your business card. Add something like "Financial Services With
Integrity". A slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not,
because people will remember you long after a meeting.
No matter what your career
or profession, networking is one of the most valuable tools. Look at it as a
treasure hunt during which you will find a treasure chest full of friends, some
diamonds in the rough, a wealth of information, many golden opportunities and a
few real jewels.
Listen
KLAV 1230 on your dial Wednesday 3Pm for the Sherial & Tom show business to
business connections. Las Vegas Live
See Part 1
HERE
